Obituary of Mary Sylvia Nielsen

NIELSEN, Mary Sylvia (nee Bellamy)

May 29, 1933 – Alexis Creek, British Columbia

October 8, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to my mother, Mary Sylvia Nielsen. Mary Nielsen of Calgary, AB, passed away in her home at Age Care Seton on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the age of 88 years.

Mary, the middle child of three, was born in Alexis Creek, British Columbia on May 29, 1933. She spent her younger years with her parents Sylvia and Tom Stepp along with her two brothers in BC. Mary's family then moved to Pender Island, BC for a while before settling on an acreage in Cloverdale BC. Mary later moved to Calgary to be with her daughter and family. She worked as a secretary for various companies most of her life ending her working career working part-time at Purdy's Chocolate much to the pleasure of all who knew her. In 2005, Mary and six other women from the South Calgary Community Church founded a knitted group to knit dolls to be gifted to a Children's Hospital in Malawi Africa. The knitting group is still active today, having donated 38,000 dolls to children in Africa thus far.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Alissa (Denis), her grandchildren, Eric, and Jordan; and their families, as well as other family and friends too numerous to mention. 

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Sylvia and Tom Stepp; and brothers, Elmer, and Richard Stepp.

A service for family and friends will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 2:00 pm. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age.

In living memory of Mary Nielsen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.